Something we get asked a lot by our customers is: how often should windows be cleaned? Or, more specifically: how often should a window cleaner come clean my windows? It depends on multiple factors.
(If you're looking for tips on how we recommend washing your own windows, we also shared some Window Cleaning Tips from the Pros over on Redfin's blog.)
Don't worry, we'll cover all of it—read on to find a personalized answer to suit your needs and budget.
The simplest answer is you should have your windows cleaned once or twice a year in spring and fall. Most professional window washing companies will tell you the same. Here's why:
Cleaning in spring: clears away the residue left by winter’s inclement weather, helps with pollen buildup, and lets bright sunlight fill your home through summer. At Dr. Glass, this is by far our busiest time, and in between the months of March-May, our window washing teams are helping homeowners with spring cleaning projects across the DMV.
Cleaning in fall: helps to deal with the dirt and grime left by late summer pollen, rains, and high winds. And with winter’s low light, it’s always a good idea to make sure as much light can come through the window as possible. (Your house plants will thank you, too.)
The simplest answer is you should have your windows cleaned once or twice a year in spring and fall.
Tip: scheduling window cleaning services? That's a perfect time for pressure washing services, too.
Now, do all of our customers schedule a window cleaning on a twice-yearly basis?
No! Of course not.
Many of our customers swear by it, and it’s always what we’ll recommend for keeping your home and windows in tip-top shape. But what if that’s not you? Then how often should you clean your windows?
We’ll suggest the following: any time you remember to schedule window washing services is a great time to schedule a window cleaning. To help you, Dr. Glass Window Washing Company's Operations Manager JC calls our clients on a rotating basis to remind them they’re due for a cleaning. If you’ve hired our window cleaners before, you’ll be familiar with that yearly spring cleaning phone call.
...any time you remember to schedule window washing services is a great time to schedule a window cleaning.
To sum it up:
Scheduling yearly or twice-yearly window cleaning services is ideal. And even if that’s not doable, the closer you can stick to that schedule the better. Aim for at least once a year and you’ll notice a remarkable improvement. Remember the best time for hiring window cleaning services is from early spring through autumn. That said, there are a few outstanding factors that might make you want to schedule more frequent cleanings...
Factors that impact frequency of residential window cleaning
Every 6-12 months is a good rule of thumb, but there are plenty of things to keep in mind when deciding how often to clean windows:
Inclement weather, storms, rock salt, and high wind
Snow, rain, and sleet displace dirt, and once the precipitation dries, windows tend to appear even dirtier and streakier than before. This is aided by heavy winds, which blow environmental dirt and grit around.
In winter months, windows facing roads can be dirtied by cars and snow plows displacing the salt that’s left on the street. By the end of January or February, residential windows are definitely looking worse for wear and in need of a deep cleaning!
The best thing to do when winter weather or heavy storms leave your windows looking less than sparkling is to schedule a window cleaning service in the spring. That way the worst of the weather is behind you—and it’s much easier for window cleaning professionals, too.
Window cleaning for dealing with ragweed season and hay fever
We’ve got some bad news—pollen has an extensive season, beginning with tree pollen season (March through June), followed by grass pollen season (June to August), and concluding with weed allergy season (August to October). Here in the Chesapeake Bay region, ragweed season can be debilitating. That leaves only November through February for sufferers of seasonal allergies and hay fever.
That’s why we’ll often recommend a twice-yearly window washing—not only is it better home maintenance practice, but it can help reduce the severity of seasonal allergies when your home is properly cleaned at the beginning and end of the season. So if you find yourself Googling “how to get rid of pollen” or “grass allergy” with itchy eyes and a runny nose, it’s a good time to hire a professional window cleaner.
That’s why we’ll often recommend a twice-yearly window washing—not only is it better home maintenance practice, but it can help reduce the severity of seasonal allergies...
Post construction window cleaning
Cleanup is always the final step in any construction or renovation project, and windows are no exception. Stray paint, sawdust, plaster dust, and so on can easily get trapped in screens, sills, and window panes. Post construction window cleaning is best left to the professionals who have the tools and experience to perfectly clean every part of the window—sharp instruments are often required to remove paint or plaster from the glass window panes, which can easily be scratched by the home DIYer. To avoid costly replacements, work with a professional team of window washers.
Why window cleaning should be on your home selling checklist
If you’re planning on listing your home for sale, scheduling a window cleaning is one of the best things you can do. Not only will it be better for taking photos of the interiors and exteriors, but it will make the home more attractive, brighter, and appealing for prospective buyers who walk through your door. Most importantly, having clean windows can increase the amount you’re able to sell for—Money Magazine reported that adding professional window cleaning services to your home selling checklist generates “the best return on investment as measured by a higher selling price.” (The same survey reported an average 769% return on investment, meaning the window cleaning service more than pays for itself!)
...adding professional window cleaning services to your home selling checklist generates “the best return on investment as measured by a higher selling price” ... an average 769% return on investment
SO, Is window washing worth it?
We admit we’re biased, but yes, absolutely. Ask any of our clients—or read the reviews on our Testimonials page (or Google, or Yelp). Especially when so many of us are working from home and staring out our windows daily, simply making sure they’re sparkling clean is essential. Studies also show that increased exposure to sunlight and having a clean home are better for mood and mental health. So yes, definitely worth it!
Additionally, anyone who lives in the Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and DC area knows that seasonal allergies can be extremely difficult to deal with. Pollen, mold, dust, and other dirt that collects on or around windows can work its way into the home over time, further aggravating your allergies. Routine window cleaning isn’t just about making your home look good—it protects your health, as well as the longevity of your home.